Sawtooth Traverse
Sawtooth Range, ID
Elevation Profile
Current Conditions
Bottom Line
High Wind Watch with gusts to 60+ mph through Saturday night — this is not backpacking weather. Rain transitioning to snow Saturday means hypothermia risk with wet gear and plummeting temps.
40°/35°F · Light Rain · 1 alert(s)
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48" depth
Normal flows · 5 gauges
No active fires within 50 miles
11h 44m daylight · Sunrise 7:59 AM · Sunset 7:43 PM
Full Briefing
The High Wind Watch is the dealbreaker here. Winds gusting over 60 mph in exposed alpine terrain create dangerous conditions for backpacking — you'll struggle to keep a tent standing, and wind chill will be brutal when temps drop to 13°F Saturday night. The weather pattern is nasty: continuous rain through Friday night will soak your gear, then Saturday brings the transition to snow as temps crash 24 degrees overnight. That's a recipe for hypothermia with wet insulation layers.
Stream crossings aren't the concern — flows are running 41-87% of median across five regional gauges, which is manageable even with some rain runoff. The Sawtooth backcountry typically sees higher flows than these coastal California references, but current snowpack data shows stable conditions at 48 inches depth with falling trends at Annie Springs. No melt surge expected.
The timing is particularly bad. You'd be setting up camp Friday night in driving rain with 16 mph sustained winds, then enduring the wind peak Saturday while temperatures plummet. Even experienced winter campers would struggle with these conditions in exposed terrain. The wind warning doesn't lift until Saturday 9 PM, meaning two full nights of severe weather.
Consider postponing until the pattern clears. If you absolutely must go, plan for lower elevation, heavily forested campsites with wind protection, bring bomber four-season gear, and have multiple bailout options mapped. This forecast screams 'stay home and plan the next trip.'
Waypoints
Redfish Lake
Begin at Redfish Lake. Water taxi available across the lake to save miles.
6,496 ft
Alpine Lake Basin
Pristine lake basin surrounded by granite walls. Excellent camping.
8,497 ft
Baron Pass
High pass with panoramic views of the entire Sawtooth Range.
9,600 ft
Grandjean Trailhead
Exit at Grandjean. Hot springs nearby for post-hike recovery.
5,200 ft
Route Details
Distance
35.0 mi
Elevation Gain
10,499 ft
Elevation Loss
11,001 ft
Max Elevation
9,600 ft
Estimated Days
5
Trailhead
Redfish Lake Trailhead
Best Season
July through September. Snow on high passes into July.
About This Route
The Sawtooth Mountains in central Idaho are one of the most underrated alpine ranges in the American West. This traverse crosses the heart of the Sawtooth Wilderness, passing beneath jagged granite peaks that rival the Tetons in drama if not in height. The route connects several lake basins via high passes, with options ranging from established trails to off-trail ridgeline walking. Key highlights include Redfish Lake, the alpine basins beneath Mt. Heyburn and the Grand Mogul, and the spectacular views from Baron Pass. The range has over 300 alpine lakes. The Sawtooths see moderate traffic compared to more famous ranges. Free self-issue permits are available at trailheads. The town of Stanley provides resupply and shuttle services. Hot springs are scattered throughout the area, offering a welcome soak after long days on the trail.
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